bendalton995 Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Hi, Currently working on a production which requires the use of fake ashes that are on stage as well as them being throw around! Currently looking at ways to do this, with sand being the safest way that we can think of right now but we know that this still has a hint of danger. The show is also an opera, so we would preferably like the ashes to not inhibit the casts ability too sing (this is a tough ask I know) Is there anyway that anyone has used before that could/would be safer and better. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Hope to hear back soon, Ben Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empyfree Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Pretend/mime must surely be an option? Or some sort of grey silk cloth if you need to "pour" them. Throwing any sort of medium around seems like unnecessary mess/risk! ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bendalton995 Posted January 10, 2017 Author Share Posted January 10, 2017 Pretend/mime must surely be an option? Or some sort of grey silk cloth if you need to "pour" them. Throwing any sort of medium around seems like unnecessary mess/risk! ? Thank you for the reply! Unfortunately the scene needs to be as real as possible (a little crazy I know) - Mess really isn't too much of an issue because it is at the end of the show, but would you have any idea potential of a safe way to make ashes (I completely understand this isn't an easy ask)! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
empyfree Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Could you use grey / black felt cut up really fine? How close is the audience? You need to keep it big enough it can't be easily inhaled! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac.calder Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 I would use black and grey tissue paper - throw it into a blender/wood chipper - much like creating fake snow for a snow drop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Superpants Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Flints carry fullers earth that has traditionally been used for dusting set, as well as Walnut dust- both could be feasible options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mac.calder Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 MSDS says fullers earth would be a bad option. I expect any fine particulate will present similar risks. Potential Acute Health Effects:Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant).Potential Chronic Health Effects:Hazardous in case of eye contact (irritant), of ingestion, of inhalation. Slightly hazardous in case of skin contact (irritant).CARCINOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. MUTAGENIC EFFECTS: Not available. TERATOGENIC EFFECTS: Not available.DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY: Not available. Walnut dust - potential issue for people with nut allergies Routes of EntryEyes, InhalationHealth HazardsDust may cause mechanical injury to eyes. Avoid excession inhalation aswith all dust particles.CarcinogencityN/ASigns and Symptoms of ExposureN/AMedical conditions generally aggravated by exposureNut allergiesEmergency and First Aid ProceduresEyes: Flush eyes with water; mechanical injury only.Inhalation: Remove victim to fresh air. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted January 11, 2017 Share Posted January 11, 2017 Table salt? It's food grade but salt has been used in an infanticide. It's probably fair to suggest that few people have ever seen human ashes, or fingered them to check the texture! Beware MSDS! No manufacturer will ever write "no hazard" so they will always put "none known at this time" or "not on the California list of known or suspected ...." Ultimately everything is hazardous -people die from drowning but many more people live because they drink water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Gordon Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Although the OP hasn't stated it specifically we are assuming that the ashes are cremated remains. I asked the question two years ago in this thread. We eventually used grey clay-based cat litter, which was very effective, didn't affect anyone's breathing but was tiresome to clear up as an urnful seemed to scatter a long way. It has variable particle sizes, which add to the effect (we didn't crush it). The dust doesn't seem to hang in the air. Buy a bag to test. Probably best to avoid scented versions! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junior8 Posted January 12, 2017 Share Posted January 12, 2017 Cremated ashes are processed through a grinding machine to a uniform size something equivalent in size to course sand. They are perfectly dry and behave like a powder. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ratheskin Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Cremated remains are visually identical to horticultural bone meal (pretty much the same thing, different source!) - available from any garden centre. No idea what the risk implications would be, but it would at least give you an idea of what any alternatives should look like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malcolm Gordon Posted January 28, 2017 Share Posted January 28, 2017 Don't be surprised by the smell of bone meal, which can be pungent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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